Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Washington offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington
- Western Washington University
- Whitman College
- Evergreen State College
- Eastern Washington University
- University of Puget Sound
- Central Washington University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- City University of Seattle
- Walla Walla University
- Evergreen State College
- Western Washington University
- Whitman College
- University of Puget Sound
- Central Washington University
- Eastern Washington University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Walla Walla University
- Whitworth University
- City University of Seattle
- Eastern Washington University 96%
- Saint Martin's University 95%
- Northwest University 94%
- Western Washington University 93%
- Central Washington University 93%
- Whitworth University 91%
- Pacific Lutheran University 89%
- University of Washington Tacoma 88%
- University of Washington Bothell 88%
- University of Puget Sound 83%
- Charter College 25 to 1
- University of Washington Bothell 21 to 1
- Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
- Columbia Basin College 19 to 1
- Olympic College 17 to 1
- Spokane Community College 17 to 1
- Western Washington University 17 to 1
- Evergreen State College 17 to 1
- Seattle Central College 17 to 1
- Skagit Valley College 17 to 1
- Whitman College $58,622
- University of Puget Sound $57,626
- Pacific Lutheran University $50,928
- Whitworth University $48,990
- Saint Martin's University $42,220
- DigiPen Institute of Technology $36,100
- Northwest University $35,000
- Walla Walla University $31,758
- Antioch University Seattle $19,260
- Charter College $17,116
- University of Puget Sound $37,307
- Pacific Lutheran University $32,116
- DigiPen Institute of Technology $29,740
- Walla Walla University $27,105
- Northwest University $19,188
- Antioch University Seattle $19,128
- University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
- University of Washington Bothell $17,004
- Saint Martin's University $15,312
- Whitworth University $12,816
- Edmonds College
- Green River College
- Centralia College
- Charter College
- Olympic College
- Skagit Valley College
- Spokane Falls Community College
- Northwest University
- Antioch University Seattle
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Centralia College
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Green River College
- Antioch University Seattle
- Skagit Valley College
- Edmonds College
- Charter College
- Northwest University
- Peninsula College
- Spokane Community College
- Whitman College 48%
- DigiPen Institute of Technology 66%
- Evergreen State College 74%
- University of Puget Sound 83%
- University of Washington Bothell 88%
- University of Washington Tacoma 88%
- Pacific Lutheran University 89%
- Whitworth University 91%
- Central Washington University 93%
- Western Washington University 93%
- Antioch University Seattle 3 to 1
- City University of Seattle 6 to 1
- Whitman College 9 to 1
- Northwest University 9 to 1
- University of Puget Sound 9 to 1
- Whitworth University 10 to 1
- DigiPen Institute of Technology 10 to 1
- Pacific Lutheran University 11 to 1
- Saint Martin's University 11 to 1
- Green River College 12 to 1
- Spokane Community College $3,102
- Spokane Falls Community College $3,102
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology $3,102
- Highline College $3,527
- Skagit Valley College $3,917
- Peninsula College $3,927
- Green River College $3,928
- Bellevue College $3,928
- Edmonds College $3,952
- Olympic College $4,197
- Central Washington University $10,401
- Western Washington University $11,756
- City University of Seattle $11,812
- Evergreen State College $12,021
- Eastern Washington University $12,723
- Whitworth University $12,816
- Saint Martin's University $15,312
- University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
- University of Washington Bothell $17,004
- Antioch University Seattle $19,128
Colleges and Universities in Washington
Of the 40 public options, the University of Washington in Seattle is the largest. Roughly 40,000 students attend classes in fields like nursing, education, biology, and computer science. This public research institution is also affordable, charging about $11,000 for tuition. In fact, none of the public schools in Washington exceed $12,000 in price. This includes community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities, making Washington a uniquely affordable place to earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Washington also has 24 private institutions. Of those, nine are religious. The most widely known of these, Catholic university Gonzaga enrolls roughly 7,000 students, at a cost of $40,000, in areas such as religious studies, engineering, and law. Central Washington University (CWU) is a smaller public school, serving just over 12,000 students, and has a tuition of $8,000. With 15% of its population being Hispanic, CWU is now recognized as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. Washington health professions also have the opportunity to receive funding for loan repayment through Washington’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.
Set in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers ocean beaches and lush forests. In fact, over half the state is covered in forests, earning Washington its nickname as The Evergreen State. Viewers atop the Space Needle in Seattle can take in the sights of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and both the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. In addition, prospective students can choose from over 60 higher education institutions in the state.
Check out the top higher education programs and find an affordable degree in Washington.
What are Washington’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 42 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 32 Public Colleges & Universities
- 15 Private Colleges & Universities
- 8 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 27 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 35 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 33 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Washington’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 42 liberal arts colleges in Washington. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Washington, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2023
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
65%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/27
Career Outlook for degree at Western Washington University
Cost of Degree: $8,967Expenses: $19,908Starting Salary: $50,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Washington University known for?
Western Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Physics
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
90%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1383/31
Career Outlook for degree at Whitman College
Cost of Degree: $58,622Expenses: $16,420Starting Salary: $59,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitman College known for?
Whitman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Literature
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
41%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/25
Career Outlook for degree at Evergreen State College
Cost of Degree: $8,750Expenses: $18,271Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Evergreen State College known for?
Evergreen State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
50%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Washington University
Cost of Degree: $8,139Expenses: $18,406Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Washington University known for?
Eastern Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Education
- Medical
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Puget Sound
Cost of Degree: $57,626Expenses: $17,944Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Puget Sound known for?
University of Puget Sound’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University
Cost of Degree: $8,845Expenses: $17,467Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Washington University known for?
Central Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Education
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1338/28
Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Lutheran University
Cost of Degree: $50,256Expenses: $14,976Starting Salary: $53,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific Lutheran University known for?
Pacific Lutheran University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- History
- Biology
- Economics
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1286/28
Career Outlook for degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $35,900Expenses: $18,344Starting Salary: $82,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DigiPen Institute of Technology known for?
DigiPen Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs
- #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle
Cost of Degree: $13,558Starting Salary: $53,400What is City University of Seattle known for?
City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Walla Walla University
Cost of Degree: $31,758Expenses: $12,717Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Walla Walla University known for?
Walla Walla University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College
Cost of Degree: $4,159Expenses: $22,116Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bellevue College known for?
Bellevue College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
76%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/23
Career Outlook for degree at Whitworth University
Cost of Degree: $48,990Expenses: $17,323Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitworth University known for?
Whitworth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
54%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma
Cost of Degree: $12,458Expenses: $18,582Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington Tacoma known for?
University of Washington Tacoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
69%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1330/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Bothell
Cost of Degree: $12,224Expenses: $20,238Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington Bothell known for?
University of Washington Bothell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1052/21
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Martin's University
Cost of Degree: $42,220Expenses: $17,840Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Martin's University known for?
Saint Martin's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Literature
- Medical
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College
Cost of Degree: $5,959Expenses: $13,527Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia Basin College known for?
Columbia Basin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College
Cost of Degree: $4,439Starting Salary: $33,100What is Peninsula College known for?
Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
25%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College
Cost of Degree: $4,865Starting Salary: $37,000What is Seattle Central College known for?
Seattle Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,968Expenses: $14,186Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wenatchee Valley College known for?
Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
40%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Highline College
Cost of Degree: $4,458Expenses: $16,824Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Highline College known for?
Highline College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
35%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Community College
Cost of Degree: $3,928Starting Salary: $37,200What is Spokane Community College known for?
Spokane Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $4,710Starting Salary: $47,200What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology known for?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Antioch University Seattle
Cost of Degree: $19,410Starting Salary: $41,800What is Antioch University Seattle known for?
Antioch University Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Career Outlook for degree at Northwest University
Cost of Degree: $35,000Expenses: $13,848Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwest University known for?
Northwest University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Literature
- History
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Falls Community College
Cost of Degree: $3,928Starting Salary: $34,900What is Spokane Falls Community College known for?
Spokane Falls Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Skagit Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,748Expenses: $13,610Starting Salary: $36,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Skagit Valley College known for?
Skagit Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
31%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Olympic College
Cost of Degree: $4,472Expenses: $16,050Starting Salary: $38,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olympic College known for?
Olympic College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
55%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Charter College
Cost of Degree: $16,784Starting Salary: $46,400What is Charter College known for?
Charter College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Centralia College
Cost of Degree: $4,891Expenses: $20,982Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centralia College known for?
Centralia College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Green River College
Cost of Degree: $4,434Starting Salary: $42,000What is Green River College known for?
Green River College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Edmonds College
Cost of Degree: $4,309Expenses: $15,438Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Edmonds College known for?
Edmonds College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Washington’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Whitman College
- Evergreen State College
- University of Puget Sound
- Saint Martin's University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Western Washington University
- University of Washington Bothell
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Walla Walla University
- Whitworth University
- Eastern Washington University
- Northwest University
- Central Washington University
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.